Head Injuries

Anatomy and Physiology of the Head

The head consists of a total of 22 bones. This total can be categorized into 8 cranial bones and 14 facial bones. The primary function for both cranial and facial bones is to provide protection for the brain and the vital senses that include vision, taste, hearing, balance and smell. Additionally, certain bones are critical in daily functions such as the use of the upper jaw bone, the maxilla, the lower jaw bone, and the mandible, and are required to perform functions such as eating.

In other cases, a majority of bones form a particular area in order to provide a common or specific set of functions. For instance, the orbital area, which is the cavity that contains the eyes and the surrounding area, is essentially the common junction between several bones that include the frontal, lacrimal, maxillary, palatine and zygomatic. All these bones, when combined, provide extremely important protection to not only the eyes but, the surrounding nerves as well.

Similarly, bones such as the frontal, maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid contain air filled cavities called sinuses which contribute in the production and draining of mucus as well containing auditory responsibilities as a resonating chamber.

Because the cranial and facial bones work together to protect crucial tissue, nerves, ligaments and tendons, injury to this area can often be extremely serious. When protection is provided accordingly, situations such as a fractured jaw or nose can be repaired. However, external forces that the bones do not absorb entirely such as a concussion or severe head trauma can result in disruptions to the sensitive tissues, nerves and cells of the central nervous system.

Broken or Fractured Nose

Broken or Fractured Nose is a result of a break in the bone or cartilage of the bridge, the sidewall or the septum of the nose.

Broken or Knocked out Tooth

Broken or Knocked out Tooth occurs when a tooth experiences a traumatic impact causing it to chip, fracture or break completely.

Concussions

Concussions are due to head trauma in which the brain moves within the skull causing the brain cells all fire at once.

Exercise Related Headache

Exercise Related Headaches are a throbbing ache that occur during an exercise routine or after the exercise routine has been completed.

Fractured or Dislocated Jaw

Fractured or Dislocated Jaw injuries occur when the jaw has been displaced from the temporomandibular joints.

Heading a Ball In Soccer

Heading a Ball in Soccer can result in acute injuries to the eye, mouth, and nose areas and cause a concussion as well.

Helmet Removal in Head/Neck Trauma

Helmet Removal in Head/Neck Trauma should be performed with caution when an injury occurs in a sport where a helmet is worn.

Nasal Injuries

Nasal Injuries occur from an acute trauma caused by a blunt impact and can range from a common nose bleed to a broken nose to rhinitis.

Nosebleed Injury

Nosebleed Injuries are one of the most common types of injuries and occur from blunt trauma or excessive drying of the nasal membrane.

Swimmer's Ear

Swimmers Ear (aka Otitis Externa) occurs when bacteria grows in the ear canal causing an infection, redness, swelling, and sensitivity.